[9/28/04]Big trucks and large equipment parked along roadsides create a hazard for both motorists and emergency crews, Warren County officials said Monday.

Supervisors discussed and may adopt an ordinance that would make it illegal to park on the right-of-way. The law would not stop people from parking passenger cars overnight in front of their homes, but would impose fines on those who park large vehicles or leave cars unattended for days.

District 5 Supervisor Richard George said it is a safety issue the board needs to address.

“At night, some people park their trucks right on the side of the road, and that causes all sorts of problems,” George said.

District 4 Supervisor Carl Flanders said it also creates an eyesore for neighbors and can block access to the roads for repair and maintenance.

Vicksburg already has an ordinance on abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on the public right-of-way for five days can be towed and impounded.

Supervisors did not say when they expect to have an ordinance drafted.

Separately, they did say they will vote on the proposed subdivision ordinance at their next meeting at 9 a.m. Monday. If approved, the ordinance will go into effect in 30 days, on Nov. 3, but would exempt subdivisions already being developed.

The new law will require all new developments to have paved roads built to the county’s specifications. Some adjustments were made to the proposal after the county’s second public hearing, including exempting developments along an existing county road and allowing developers to sell lots before starting construction.